“I don't think you'll find her alive,” was the captain's consolatory remark; “but you may be of some service.”
“What is it, sir?” cried Laura; “what is it?”
Captain Danvers, however, paid no attention to the inquiry, but dashed off as hard as he could to the Hall.
“It's something terrible—I'm sure of it!” said Laura. “I feel ready to faint.”
“Change places, and I'll drive you back,” said Tom. “It's lucky I'm here.”
“I don't know what I should have done without Mr. Tom,” said Laura, as she took his seat, and gave him the reins and whip. “Don't lose any time.”
“I won't, depend upon it,” rejoined Tom. “The ribbons are in good hands now they're in mine. Take my advice, dear girl, and don't make yourself uneasy till you get there. Time enough, then. All's for the best, you see, monsieur. If you hadn't given up that place, you'd 'a been forced to give it up, since you can't drive.”
“You're mistaken, sir, I can drive—and very well, too,” rejoined Zephyrus.
“But not so well as me,” said Tom. “I'll bring you to Ouselcroft in no time,” he added to Laura.
And he soon got the ponies into such a pace as they had never travelled before.